Commuters will have to pay a toll from September 24 for using the Nehru Outer Ring Road on the southern stretch, connecting Pedda Amberpet to Patancheru, and the link road connecting Gachibowli. Toll will be collected at 12 interchanges and currently, 75 lanes will operate, said the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority. According to the HMDA officials, commuters should collect a token at the entry point and pay at the exit, depending on the distance travelled.
Toll charges that are based on the rates prescribed by National Highway Authority of India have been rounded to the nearest Rs 10 and will be collected at Pedda Amberpet, Bongulur, Raviryal, Thukkuguda, Pedda Golkonda, Shamshabad, Rajendranagar, APPA, Kokapet, Nanakramguda, Edulana-gulapally and Patancheru only for vehicles plying on the main carriageway (or the eight-lane access-controlled expressway) and no toll will be collected from vehicles using the service roads. Toll rates to be paid for travelling between the interchanges will be displayed prominently.
The Hyderabad Growth Corridor Limited has initiated the process of a toll management system and highway management system on the ORR, so that the revenues can be used for its proper maintenance. The stretch from Patancheru to Shamirpet on the ORR is also likely to be opened to traffic soon. HMDA authorities said the work of toll collection is entrusted to M/s PK Hospitality Services Pvt. Ltd. An amount of Rs 1,26,29,959 per month will be paid by the agency to HGCL towards toll charges for the southern stretch of ORR.
The period of contract is 18 months from the date of commencement of toll operations. The agency has to make its own arrangements by providing necessary infrastructure for the toll operations including toll booths, boom barriers, computer hardware and software, generators, power supply, toll rate display boards, speed breakers and personnel required for toll operations.